Vestibular nerve section in patients with chronic otitis media |
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Authors: | J T McElveen D E Brackmann W E Hitselberger |
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Affiliation: | Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710. |
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Abstract: | Retrolabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy preserves hearing and relieves intractable vertigo emanating from the inner ear. However, this approach must be modified in patients with prior "canal-wall-down" procedures. Traversing an exteriorized mastoid cavity risks bacterial contamination of the subarachnoid space. Three patients seen at the Otologic Medical Group with prior canal-wall-down procedures required vestibular neurectomy for persistent vertigo. Using the retrosigmoid approach, the vestibular nerve was sectioned without sacrificing hearing and without traversing a potentially infected mastoid cavity. It is recommended that this approach be considered in patients with intractable vertigo, serviceable hearing, and exteriorized mastoid cavities. |
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